Dutch influence adds colonial charm to Caribbean island

Santa Barbara resort is ideal base for unlocking the West Indian gem’s many secrets

Santa Barbara resort has plenty of beachside views to savour.

Curaçao is a Dutch island in the Caribbean, among the group known as the ABC islands alongside Aruba and Bonaire. Located just off the coast of Venezuela, the island features a unique multicultural mix, playing home to no less than 150,000 residents who hail from more than 55 countries.

Those looking to uncover the secrets of Curaçao while loitering in the lap of luxury have ample opportunity to do so at the island’s premiere property, Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort. The 366-room hotel is a short 30-minute drive from the airport and situated between the Caribbean Sea and Spanish Water Bay. Escape to paradise and embrace Curacao’s magical sea, sky and sun on Santa Barbara’s 27 acres of rare natural preserve. The resort’s sprawling property features an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Pete Dye, intimate spa, tennis courts, bike rental, 120-slip marina, five restaurants, three pools and sun-soaked beach.

In 2013 Scuba Diving Magazine ranked Curaçao as “One of the Worlds Best Dive Destinations.” Those looking to adventure through a lively underwater world can do so here with Ocean Encounters, which conveniently has a petite office set up at the end of Santa Barbara’s beach. Morning departures include two dives at Director’s Bay and Newport, and an opportunity to swim with giant sea turtle while schools of several hundred bright yellow fish descend along colourful coral wall.

Those looking to hop off the beach and indulge in an afternoon of rest and relaxation are offered a perfect sanctuary at Atabei Spa. The inspiration for the Santa Barbara’s luxury spa stems from the ancient culture and rituals of the Arawak people, the original inhabitants of the island. Spa guests enjoy a co-ed relaxation lounge featuring complimentary refreshments and spa bites before being escorted to their own private suite that includes a personal vanity, rain shower and outdoor relaxation patio. Enjoy Atabei’s signature treatment, the Stemps Massage, which incorporates classic hands-on technique with sachets of locally grown herbs dipped in warm organic oil.

Interested in learning about the history and production of the island’s famous Blue Curaçao liqueur? Be sure to pop by for an informative tour and tasting at Landhuis Chobolobo. Blue Curaçao has been produced on the island since 1896 and is flavoured with the peel of Laraha oranges, the stepchild of the Valencia orange that arrived on the island shortly after the Spanish discovered it in 1499. Locals love to spike cocktails with the sweet elixir and will proudly hold your cocktail over the ocean to showcase its connection to the surrounding deep blue sea.

Picturesque Willemstad is the capital of Curaçao and its historic centre can be found on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The city is divided into two neighbourhoods, Otrobanda and Punda, located on either side of the canal.

Explore the area on foot being sure to stroll across the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge, snap a few photos of the pastel-coloured colonial merchant houses lining Handelskade, shop at the Floating Market where farmers from South America and the West Indies sell fresh produce and seafood and grab a sip and nibble at one of the al fresco restaurants at the old Waterfort Arches. Perched above the crash of ocean waves, dinner here is an ideal final feast perfect for taking in one last jaw-dropping sunset.

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